Dhaka, Delhi have multiple engagements next month

Bangladesh and India will draw up plans to take the Dhaka-Delhi relations to the next level expanding areas of cooperation between the two countries with a number of engagements next month, officials say.

To that end, Foreign Secretary Masud Bin Momen will visit New Delhi in the second week of December to get engaged in consultation with India ahead of the prime minister-level virtual meeting next month.

"The purpose of his [foreign secretary] visit is mainly consultation ahead of prime minister-level talks as the two countries have vast issues to discuss," a senior official told UNB confirming the foreign secretary's Delhi visit.

Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina and her Indian counterpart Narendra Modi will hold a Summit meeting virtually in the third week of next month, another official said.

There are indications from both sides that PM Modi will also visit Bangladesh in person if the Covid-19 situation improves.

Foreign Minister AK Abdul Momen, earlier, indicated the signing of bilateral agreements at that time, but did not elaborate.

The two countries are putting much emphasis on enhancing trade and commerce through utilising river and road communications, exploring opportunities in blue economy and other areas.